Titans swoop for Manly skipper Lyon

The Gold Coast Titans have made an audacious attempt to poach Manly captain Jamie Lyon.

The Titans are desperate to add a strike centre to their line-up after releasing Beau Champion and missing out on Michael Jennings who signed with Roosters on Tuesday.

The Titans have tabled a long-term deal for the premiership-winning centre, who could command up to $500,000 per annum, for him to play with them for the 2013 season.

Lyon met Sea Eagles general manager David Perry on Friday morning to discuss the development. However, a source said Lyon was committed to the club.

‘‘He's had a lot of money thrown at him ... but he wants to stay,’’ the source said.

Lyon released a brief statement on Friday afternoon saying the Titans' offer took him by surprise.

“Unbeknown to me, the Sea Eagles then my manager received an unexpected offer for me to join the Gold Coast team immediately. My loyalty and commitment to Manly remains uncompromised and I look forward to season 2013 with the Sea Eagles” he said.